Why I finally did it.

[larrs]

I sat on the fence on the Series 3 for a time that seemed like forever. As with many CE products, there were a bunch of things that kept me from buying (price, cable only, cablecard problems, considered satellite, maybe SDD in the future, etc.). However, two things finally made me go for it:

1. Lifetime transfer ability
2. The difficulty of the cable DVR

I have a series 1 with lifetime, and I know that some day it will not function, so it makes sense to transfer the service to a new box. But, probably the bigget factor is that with limited HD channels (I have 14 on my cable co with 6 being locals), the intelligence of Tivo just makes it easier to enjoy more HD. With the cable DVR, you have to literally program it much like a VCR and find each program in the guide. If there are conflicts, you MUST search down alternate showings yourself. Not a bad tool for what it is worth, but I am missing a bunch of stuff I would probably watch simply because I don't have time to sit down each week and look through all of the listings and bring up the guide to find what I want.

If you don't see the value of the S3 over the cable DVR (like I tried not to), I finally decided that I can most likely eliminate all but a handful of "must see" shows and see much more HD, even with my limited channels. I think it is like adding another 5 or 6 HD channels to my lineup...

[Dr_Zoidberg]

You did purchase it before the 2/1, right? The offer isn't valid anymore for purchases 2/1 or later, as per this page:

http://www.tivo.com/2.0.3hdDvr.plt_expired.asp

[dig_duggler]

You did purchase it before the 2/1, right? The offer isn't valid anymore for purchases 2/1 or later, as per this page:

http://www.tivo.com/2.0.3hdDvr.plt_expired.asp

I would be surprised if they ask for a dated receipt etc. Anyone have experience with this?

[mick66]

They are'nt gonna ask, much less require proof of purchase date.

[CraigHB]

I transferred mine yesterday. I told them I bought my unit last month (which I did). That was good enough for them. No proof of purchase required. However, they could always ask for that once things start winding down. Most people probably wouldn't leave a box unsubscribed for more than a few weeks.

[larrs]

I transferred mine yesterday. I told them I bought my unit last month (which I did). That was good enough for them. No proof of purchase required. However, they could always ask for that once things start winding down. Most people probably wouldn't leave a box unsubscribed for more than a few weeks.
In my case, I bought the box on the 2nd and I am waiting on an upgrade drive before activating it and I'll most likely transfer the lifetime immediately thereafter. Since you have until March to transfer the lifetime, I would think it would be effectively impossible to police until after that date. Otherwise, what are they going to do, ask for a faxed copy of the receipt? I just think it'll end up being a "non-official" policy until the drop dead date.

With the length of time it is taking some cable cos to schedule CC installs, many people could probably have their box two weeks or more before activating it.

[Kablemodem]

You don't have to wait for the cc install to activate. I would want to activate the box and make sure it is working before the cable guy shows up.

[flar]

I was contemplating upgrading mine, but with all of the reports of bad units being replaced on here, I'm thinking it would be better to run it for a while before upgrading the drive...no?

[larrs]

I was contemplating upgrading mine, but with all of the reports of bad units being replaced on here, I'm thinking it would be better to run it for a while before upgrading the drive...no?

I have seen some issue with CableCards following upgrades, so I'll just do it first.

I guess I will activate the unit today even though I do not have it yet. Weaknees will send the Service Number to you prior to shipping.

[larrs]

I called Tivo and asked about any documentation I may need to transfer lifetime. Apparently, even though the deadline has officially expired, they are willing to "take yor word" that the unit was actually purchased by january 31. My earlier suspicions seem to have been proven. :)

[snickerrrrs]

Tivo has always had pretty good customer service, as long as you're not trying to take advantage of them they'll take care of you.

[CraigHB]

Been running mine for a couple weeks without the cablecards. Here's what I did;

Bought the unit and ran guideded setup without activation.

Verified the unit was free from defect and transfered lifetime about 10 days later (only on hold with TiVo for a few minutes, short wait times every time I've called them lately)

Called the cable co. for cable cards (coming this Wednesday, 4 days after request, pretty fast, Charter isn't bad these days).

Once everything has been working right for a while, I'll do a disk upgrade.

So far my S3 experience has gone without a hitch. Hopefully it will stay that way.

[flar]

The purchase deadline was probably more so that if someone calls in a day after the transfer deadline to try to transfer they can ask "Why did it take you a month to do the transfer?" without having to listen to whining about not enough time.

[flar]

Well the random reboot in the middle of taping the SuperBowl has me thinking "this one may have to go back so I'm glad I didn't try to upgrade it yet" :(